Marubeni Corp. is acquiring a 60% stake in Sumitomo Pharma Co.’s Asian pharmaceutical sales operations for approximately ¥45 billion ($300 million), positioning the trading company to capitalize on the region’s growing healthcare demand.
The deal transfers Sumitomo’s pharmaceutical businesses in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia to a newly established company through a simplified absorption-type company split. The transaction is part of Sumitomo Pharma’s efforts to strengthen its financial foundation while allowing Marubeni to leverage its global network.
For Marubeni, the acquisition represents a significant expansion of its healthcare portfolio, which already includes pharmaceutical distribution businesses in China, the Middle East, and Africa. The company has identified pharmaceuticals as a key next-generation business area and plans to use this new platform to grow its healthcare-related sales to more than ¥100 billion by fiscal 2029.
The Asian pharmaceutical market offers substantial growth potential driven by population increases, aging demographics, and economic development. Marubeni will inherit Sumitomo’s established supply systems and customer relationships in the region.
The agreement includes an option for Marubeni to acquire the remaining 40% stake held by Sumitomo for approximately ¥27 billion after 2029, subject to terms in their shareholders’ agreement.
The deal comes as Sumitomo Pharma faces challenges in other markets, having recently cut hundreds of jobs in its U.S. operations amid declining revenues following the loss of exclusivity for its antipsychotic drug Latuda.
